Compare These

The GoodThe PS3 Wireless Headset is incredibly easy to use, sports an intelligent design, and is comfortable for hours of gaming.

The BadWe wish the PS3 Wireless Headset had an adjustable boom mic (instead of just telescoping) and a longer battery life. Also, the virtual surround sound effect isn't worth using. It would have been nice for Sony to include a cheap USB charging cable as well.

The Bottom LineAttractively priced and full of great features, the PS3 Wireless Headset provides above-average sound quality and hassle-free performance.

CNET Editors' Rating

7.5 Overall

Design8.0

Features8.0

Performance7.0

Review Sections

It's interesting that after years of qualified third-party wireless headset offerings, Sony had never supplied PlayStation 3 owners with a first-party headset of its own. Sure, the company is known for the production of items that perhaps consumers aren't always necessarily clamoring for, but in the case of wireless gaming headsets, the demand has been consistent for years now.

Regardless of the late timing, I was pleased to hear that Sony was set to release its own wireless headset specifically for PlayStation 3. It's logical to assume that if there's any team that could possibly squeeze out the most efficient and quality sound out of a PS3, it'd be Sony.

While the $100 PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset sounds and performs great, its most notable feature has got to be the insanely easy plug-and-play setup that gets you up and running out of the box in a matter seconds.

Design, setup, and performance
In terms of looks, the headset is a bit odd. At first glance it might appear like an over-the-top head unit, but when worn it really does rest comfortably. Its noticeable thick-edged design is most likely a way to fit in all the various sliders, buttons, and the rechargeable battery that all exist inside. All these features considered, the engineers really did do an impressively stylish job with the unit.

An adjustable brushed-metal headband connects the two earcups; each of which is flanked by a plastic backing. One of these backings is used as a power button and mic mute. It seems that every slider and port is "hidden" by the headset's design, which is certainly a welcome aesthetic compared with other headsets that just seem littered with intrusive switches.

Also, these camouflaged options also help with blind-adjustments, as their unique geographical location on the headset makes it easier to remember what does what. For example, the left earcup houses all the master volume controls, but the front ones are for game and chat balance whereas the rear ones control the overall master volume.

Most of the headset's controls are cleverly hidden yet easily accessible.

A telescoping boom mic juts out from the bottom of the left earcup, but while its length is adjustable, it doesn't bend like most microphones I've tested. Nevertheless, I didn't notice any real drop-off in clarity when it came to playing online multiplayer matches. From what I could gather, all of my teammates reported a clear performance from the PS3 headset.

Jeff is a host for CNET video and is regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404, and is also featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast. He is CNET's senior gaming editor and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
See full bio